PHd in Pubic Health/Epidemiology after MSc in epidemiology from University of London

I'm interested in pursueing a PHd in epidemiology or public health after I finish my MSc from U of L. I'm set to finish with about a B grade. Would I be able to get into any PHd programs with such a low GPA? Is there anything I can do to strengthen my application?

The programs I'm interested in are:
1. UNC's DrPH in Health Care leadership (don't think I'll be able to get in)
2. Central Michigan Universities DHA (Not sure if I'll be able to get in, have my bachelor's from CMU so maybe that would help?)
3. Walden University's PHd in PH/epidemiology (I'm not sure what the quality of it will be).
4. Other PHd programs in epidemiology throught the country (I don't live by one now and may not in the future).

So, I have a few problems.
1. I don't know if I will be accepted to my preferred programs.
2. I'm wary of the quality of Walden's PHd (and I don't know if I'll be accepted). Is anyone working through it. Have you learned alot?

I'm not interested in teaching at a university in the future. I would like to be eligible for working for the CDC or be able to gain a high level position in state or local government. I am also interested in doing consulting work.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me.

Thanks.

 

I'm assuming that you are reading for your MSc through the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine through the University of London, External System. First off, getting this MSc is not like getting an MS in the USA through an online university; it will be regarded with much more prestige. That said, you "B" might be look upon quite favourably.

Of the universities that you listed, push for UNC or CMU. They are both respected B&M institutions. You don't want to cap your excellent MSc with a sub-standard doctorate.

 

You might also ask at the public health degree forum at studentdoctor.net.

 

Scott,

Why do you feel that a U of London (external) degree will be more highly regarded than a US online MS? Specifically because of the London name or because in general an English distance learning MSc would be more highly regarded than a US online MS?

 

I'm only speculating that he meant it would be similar to getting a degree from a U.S. Brick and Mortor online program. The University of london also seems to be somewhat prestigious. I can tell you first hand that the Master's program at Walden and U of L are totally different beasts. I quit the Walden MPH program becuase I thought it was much too easy (at least the tests were) and on the flip side I almost quit the U of L program because I thought it was much too hard. I'm glad now that I'm almost done with it that I didn't quit.

Even though I had a bad experience with their MPH I am still interested in the quality of their PHd. I am very interested in pursuing a PHd but can never find myself located close to a school that offers one and I don't want to quit working. That is why I am mostly interested in the distance learning method.

 

So I'm assuming that all agree that a PHd in public health from Walden isn't worth pursuing? Has anyone went through the program? Did you learn a lot? What was your previous background (I ask this because I have a public health bachelor's and will have and epidemiology master's).

Thanks.

 

Hi Kevin,

You may want to look at some schools overseas that offer a Ph.D. in Epidemiology or Public Health, by research only. Many of these programes will allow foreign students to enroll, with either very few on-site visits. Worth looking into. Take a look at schools in the UK, Australia and South Africa.

Good Luck!
Tom

 

Hi Kevin,

I wanted to follow up with you (and other forum members with similar interests) to see if you found a good online PhD in Epidemiology or Public Health program. I have decided to pursue an (online) MPH, and I'm looking at options for doctoral programs after I graduate.

Thanks,

 

Depending upon your flexibility..

You might consider a UK or European studenship. If accepted, these are paid research positions leading to the doctorate [similar to programs in the US].

With your UL qualification, you would likely have a good chance getting into one of these programs [different offerings every year].

There are also part-time [UK really doesn't do fully DEd programs] doctoral programs.

See:

jobs.ac.uk - Job Search - Science, Research & Academic Vacancies in the UK and Abroad

courses: evening classes part time courses: undergraduate postgraduate courses

 

This website:

ASPH | education, academic public health, education, graduate, employment, fellowships, internships

indicates that you should also look at the University of Illinois at Chicago for a DL PhD in Public Health.